Year: 2026 | Month: August | Volume: 13 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 137-142
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260815
A Qualitative Thematic Analysis of ChatGPT-4 Integration in Extensive Reading to Enhance Critical Thinking in EFL Higher Education
Fina Khiyarotun Nisa1, Rahayu Puji Haryanti2
1,2Department of English Education,
Languages and Arts College, Semarang State University, Semarang, Indonesia.
Corresponding Author: Fina Khiyarotun Nisa
ABSTRACT
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Large Language Models like ChatGPT-4, into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction offers significant pedagogical opportunities, yet its qualitative impact on higher-order cognitive processing remains nuanced. This study provides an in-depth qualitative thematic analysis examining how ChatGPT-4 is integrated into Extensive Reading classes to foster critical thinking skills, evaluating the resulting cognitive transformations, identifying learner challenges, and capturing instructional reflections. Using a convergent parallel mixed-method design grounded in Facione's Critical Thinking Framework and Vygotsky's Social Constructivism, data were collected from 48 second-semester EFL undergraduate students and their instructor at University X, Kudus, Java, using classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, student worksheets, and standardized pre-/post-tests. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed five major thematic dimensions: (1) Guided Pedagogical Integration & Scaffolding, (2) Cognitive Deepening in Textual Processing, (3) Collaborative Critical Dialogue & Peer Evaluation, (4) Operational & Epistemic Challenges, and (5) Instructional Reflection on AI Mediation. Quantitative findings corroborated these thematic insights, demonstrating a statistically meaningful improvement in critical thinking scores (Pre-test M = 49.7; Post-test M = 73.5; Normalized Gain g = 0.65, Moderate). The findings demonstrate that ChatGPT-4 operates effectively as an artificial mediational tool within the Zone of Proximal Development when paired with structured prompts and teacher-led reflection, transforming learners from passive consumers into active, analytical evaluators.
Keywords: ChatGPT-4, Extensive Reading, Critical Thinking, Thematic Analysis, EFL, Artificial Intelligence in education.
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